Which punctuation mark is used to introduce an explanation after a complete sentence?

Which punctuation mark is used to introduce an explanation after a complete sentence?

• A. Colon
• B. Dash
• C. Comma
• D. Semicolon

Answer: (A)

The idea being tested is how to show that what comes next explains or elaborates on a statement already made. A colon does this by signaling that the following material will define, illustrate, or list the idea in the first clause. For example: She had one clear goal: finish the project by Friday. The first part is a complete sentence, and the part after the colon explains exactly what that goal is. The other marks don’t fit as neatly. A dash can add emphasis or a sudden pause, but it isn’t the standard way to introduce an explanation. A comma can’t introduce a full explanation after a sentence. A semicolon links two related independent thoughts but doesn’t introduce the following explanation.

The idea being tested is how to show that what comes next explains or elaborates on a statement already made. A colon does this by signaling that the following material will define, illustrate, or list the idea in the first clause. For example: She had one clear goal: finish the project by Friday. The first part is a complete sentence, and the part after the colon explains exactly what that goal is. The other marks don’t fit as neatly. A dash can add emphasis or a sudden pause, but it isn’t the standard way to introduce an explanation. A comma can’t introduce a full explanation after a sentence. A semicolon links two related independent thoughts but doesn’t introduce the following explanation.